[ Beikoku Shorinryu Karatedo Kobudo Kyokai ]
Shorin-ryu Karatedo and Kobudo Association of America
[ Beikoku Shorinryu Karatedo Kobudo Kyokai ]
Welcome to the website of the Shorin-ryu Karatedo and Kobudo Association of America. For short, we call ourselves "Beisho Karatedo." "Beisho" (pronounced "Bay-show") is a contraction of the first Japanese character in "Beikoku" (American) and the first character in "Shorin-ryu," so "Beisho Karatedo" means "American Shorin-ryu Karatedo."
Beisho Karatedo (also known as SKKAA) was established in January 2005 by a group of senior instructors and school operators who have practiced the ancient Okinawan arts of Shorin-ryu karatedo and kobudo (traditional weaponry) for many years. The purpose of establishing the SKKAA was to rededicate ourselves to following the traditional path to self-improvement through the martial arts. This path involves life-long learning, constant practice and striving for excellence, respect for others, a commitment to passing on our traditions, dedication to our communities and country, and the highest standards of business and personal integrity.
SKKAA Contact Information
SKKAA Secretary/Treasurer: Kristen Pepe
Address: P.O. Box 583
Watertown, MA 02472
Email: kristen.SKKAA@rcn.com
The SKKAA's patch and logo consist of a black three-pronged swirl on a field of red. It is
surrounded by the words "Beisho Karatedo" and the characters "Beikoku Shorin-ryu Karatedo
Kobudo Kyokai," or the Shorin-ryu Karatedo and Kobudo Association of America. The three-
pronged swirl pattern was the official crest of the Okinawan royal family from approximately 1429 to 1879.
It symbolizes the long traditions and ancient history of the martial arts we study. The black swirl
also represents the land of Okinawa. It is surrounded by the sea. The red color represents sunrise
over the ocean.
The SKKAA's Patch and Logo
The SKKAA's Organizational Structure
The SKKAA is composed of members who are recommended by an SKKAA instructor, submit
an application, and remit their annual dues in a timely manner. Only students training in or
affiliated with an SKKAA chartered school are eligible for membership. The SKKAA's Board of
Directors may, at its discretion, award Honorary Membership to select individuals whose
contribution to our mission warrants such an honor.
Board of Directors
SKKAA policy is determined by a Board of Directors which shall hold at least one business
meeting annually.
Members of the Board as of February 2005 are:
Chairman: Christopher M. Clarke
Vice chairs: James A. True, Jr. and Jayne Butram
Members: Michael Pepe, Jo McCulty, Lance Morgan, Sue Theise, Stephen Iannetti, and Kristen Pepe
Board of Advisors: Richard McCulty, Tom Wirtanen, Meredith Clarke.
Officers
Implementation of SKKAA policy is delegated to a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a
Secretary, and a Treasurer. The President and Vice Presidents constitute an Executive Committee
which is empowered to make such policy decisions as may be necessary when a meeting of the
Board of Directors is impracticable. The Secretary and/or Treasurer serves as an Advisor to the
Executive Committee.
The Officers of the SKKAA as of February 2005 are:
President: Christopher M. Clarke
Vice Presidents: James A. True, Jr. and Jayne Butram
Secretary/Treasurer: Kristen Pepe
Instructional Organization
Martial arts training, supervision, and quality control are the responsibility of the SKKAA's Chief
Instructor and such assistants as he may delegate in consultation with the Executive Committee .
Their role is to assist school operators in maintaining the highest standards of training, participate
in the evaluation of any member who has been recommended by an SKKAA instructor for any
rank above nidan (second degree black belt), assist in the administration of and teaching at
SKKAA camps and clinics, and represent the SKKAA at public functions.
The instructional staff of the SKKAA's national organization consists of
Chief Instructor: Christopher M. Clarke
Assistant Chief Instructors: James A. True, Jr. and Jayne Butram
Shihan-dai: Michael Pepe
Dai Sempai: Steven Tulimieri
Dai ni Sempai: Ed Kearney and Jo McCulty